March 26, 2019
Meet the Extension Operations Support Staff
The Extension Operations staff is here to serve K-State Research and Extension Staff in a variety of ways. Each office support staff member has a unique role and responsibility that makes them a valuable member of our team. We strive to provide great customer service. Please take a moment to read their staff profiles to find out how they can be of service to you.
Mary Gatza, Human Capital Representative
My Background: I was born in Michigan and moved to Kansas at a young age with my family. After I graduated from Rock Creek High School, I moved to Arkansas and then Florida only to move back home to Kansas. I have two daughters, Sam and Alex. Before coming to work for KSRE, I spent 15 years as a law enforcement officer, served as an assistant to the director at Hope Lutheran Early Learning Center and worked for the Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities program. My hobbies include riding my motorcycle with my husband, reading and spending time with my two grandchildren.
My role in Extension Operations: I provide human capital representation and employee relations and guidance to ten departments within KSRE. I manage, analyze and process the Federal Benefit payments for KSRE federal benefit employees. I serve as the FMLA and Workers Compensation contact and coordinate communications between the employee, HCS and the State. I coordinate the KSRE Employee Resources website, maintain the KSRE database and the KSRE online directory. I maintain all funding for the approximately 240 agents throughout the state.
I can help with:
• Any and all HR questions including pay and benefits
• FMLA and workers comp claims and questions
• KSRE Employee Resource website updates
• Federal employee benefits and retirement questions.
Michelle Gieber, Accountant I
My Background: I was born in Colorado. My father was employed with Union Pacific, so we moved around a lot in Colorado and western Kansas. Upon high school graduation I moved to Manhattan. I started working at Kansas State University in early 90's as a temp in Horticulture and Natural Resources. Prior to working in Extension Operations, I also worked at Northeast Area Extension Office and the Office of Professional and Organizational Development. I enjoy reading, crocheting, arts and crafts, gardening and nature. I really enjoy music and am trying to learn how to play the guitar.
My Role in Extension Operations: I assist with Extension administration account funding, accounts payable, accounts receivable and purchasing. I also administer extension vehicle fleet which includes purchasing, titling and selling of state vehicles and assisting with accident claims on state vehicles. I take care of travel reimbursements when new agents attend professional development sessions. I help the Epsilon Sigma Phi treasurer with dues, reports and grants, and compile yearly county/district financial partnership reports.
I can help with:
• Travel related questions, including allowable mileage and reimbursement charges
• Making hotel reservations for new agents attending training sessions
• State vehicle related questions
• Purchasing from state contract.
Kelly Staab, Human Capital Assistant
My Background: I'm from Omaha, Nebraska, and graduated from Ottawa University with a bachelor's in Business Administration and a concentration in Human Resources. Prior to working for KSRE, I worked for 14 years in various roles in Elementary Schools and administrative assistant positions. My husband is a K-State Grad and his connections brought us to Manhattan. Our current adventures include raising our 2 year old, Beckett, lots of walks with our dog, and getting outdoors as much as the weather will allow.
My role in Extension Operations: As a Human Capital Assistant, I manage extension agent job positions from drafting a position announcement from templates to helping on-board new hires.
I can help with:
• Sharing templates for position types when a county or district has a position opening
• Drafting position announcements and creating a timeline for filling vacancies
• Placing position openings in the hiring system
• Creating advertising examples and assisting with regional and national advertising
• Managing applicant materials for open positions
• Managing the onboarding process for new hires.